How to Program Transponder Keys in a Corolla

Written by tiffany raiford| 13/05/2017

An appointment with Toyota is not necessary to program the transponder key for your Corolla. (Car key image by Corneliu C from Fotolia.com)

Toyota Corollas are one of the best-selling automobiles in U.S. history, with more than 30 million vehicles sold since its introduction in the 1960s. The Corollas has undergone many changes over the years, including the addition of the transponder key on later models. Transponder keys are encoded to work with a computer chip in your specific Corolla, allowing you to operate your vehicle and only your vehicle. If you purchase an additional key for your Corolla, it will not be programmed to work with your car. Fortunately, you can program your transponder keys on your own in a few minutes.

Sit in your Corolla, leaving only the driver's door open and unlocked. Place your key in the ignitionand pull it out quickly. You have five seconds to perform this step two times.

Shut the driver's door and open it two times. Insert your key into the ignition and promptly remove it. Perform this step in 40 seconds.

Close your door and open it twice, place the key in the ignition and close the door one more time. Turn the key to the "On" position and then turn it back off and remove it from the ignition. You have 40 seconds to complete this step.

Listen for the door locks to cycle, which means they will lock and unlock on their own. The locks should cycle within three seconds of completing the third step. If they do not, it is an indication that you have not been successful in programming your transponder keys and will need to restart the process.

Locate the lock and unlock buttons on your keyless entry remote and hold them both down at the same time for a second and a half. Release both buttons and hold down the lock button for two seconds, until the door locks cycle once more. Your transponder key is now programmed. Remove your key from the ignition and exit your Corolla.